Secondary Bulletin

Real-World Learning in Action

This term, students across our department have stepped beyond the classroom to engage in hands-on, practical experiences that brought their learning to life. From observing live courtroom proceedings and forensic investigations, to running a market stall at VEND Marketplace, and testing teamwork and resilience at Urban Extreme, each activity offered a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. These excursions and projects not only deepened understanding but also built confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking skills that will serve our students well into the future.

Year 11 Legal Studies

On Wednesday 15 October, our Year 11 Legal Studies class had the opportunity to visit the District and Supreme Courts, as well as the Police Museum. During our time at the courts, we observed both a sentencing and a trial in progress. It was interesting to see how evidence is collected and presented in a real courtroom setting. 

We learned about the process of gathering DNA through swabs, including from underneath fingernails, and gained a clearer understanding of how a court is conducted. The experience allowed us to connect the legal concepts we study in class with real-world practice, furthering our understanding of courtroom procedures and the justice system. 

At the Police Museum, we heard from an intelligence officer who explained the nature of his role and its responsibilities. We also gained insight into how criminal cases are solved from beginning to end, how DNA and other forms of forensic testing are used, and how this information contributes to determining an outcome. 

The excursion was a good opportunity to see a practical perspective on the concepts we have been learning in legal.

 - Written by Harriet Peirce, Year 11 Student

Year 10 Accounting and Business

On Saturday 18 October, our Year 10 Business and Accounting class proudly ran a market day stall at VEND Marketplace. It was a huge success, with everyone contributing to a fun, rewarding, and profitable experience! 

Over the course of Term 3 and Term 4, both business groups got to work creating and producing products that ranged from pencil cases and keychains to trinket trays and car charms. After coming up with the perfect products to sell both groups worked super hard to make the best possible products to sell. Of course, there were some stressful times (and some quick pivoting on ideas!) however, both groups managed to overcome obstacles and achieve success on the day at VEND Marketplace. 

This task was a great challenge for everyone because we all had to contribute in different ways and work together as a team. This experienced showed us what it was like to work on a budget, promote a business using social media platforms, how to interact with customers, and of course how to manage a small business. 

VEND Marketplace was a great experience for everyone! 

- Written by Demi de Tournouer, Year 10 Student

Year 8 Urban Extreme Excursion

The Year 8 cohort were lucky enough to have an HPE excursion to Urban Extreme earlier this term. In the weeks leading to this, our classes had been practising our team building skills, working together to complete tasks and score points in a range of games. Participating in the Urban Extreme Excursion challenged us on our cooperation, tactical planning and problem-solving capabilities, learning and laughing along the way. 

When we arrived at Urban Extreme, we got straight to work, getting into groups and exploring the arena. We were able to test ourselves on the Ninja Courses, explore acrobat skills on the trampolines, and complete some Parkour. The activities saw us test our strength and resilience, as well as our support for others - with tactical placement, cheering and words of encouragement. 

It was a very exciting day, and we were all exhausted afterwards! Thank you to Ms Shannon for organising! 

- Written by Lexi Thurn (Year 8 Student)  

QTAC ATAR Verification

QTAC has confirmed the process and costs associated with ATAR Verification. Year 12 students may require verification for scholarship applications or wish to have a formal record of your ATAR results.

Printed Verification

A printed and verified copy of your ATAR certificate posted to you.

Cost: $30 incl. GST

Electronic Verification

An electronic copy of your ATAR results sent to up to three nominated institutions, employers, or other entities in a single transaction.

Cost: $17 incl. GST

For more information, please visit QTAC’s ATAR page. For further assistance, email verification@qtac.edu.au or contact the ATAR hotline on 1300 193 173.

QTAC Applications

A gentle reminder that QTAC applications are open until 8 December for the major offer round in January for study in 2026.

A handy 'How to' guide for QTAC applications is on our Careers and Pathways page: 

Missed open days earlier in Term 3?

Several universities offer campus tours on school holidays for Year 12 students and their families, and registration is online. Here are four of the major universities in Southeast Queensland offering tours during the holidays:

• University of Queensland Campus Tour
• Queensland University Technology Campus Tour
• Griffith University Campus Tour
• Australian Catholic University Campus Tour

Year 9 and 10 Families

TAFE at School 2026: offers have been sent for places in TAFE qualifications as part of their TAFE at School offerings. If you have applied for 2026, please check your emails for your offer especially your spam folders.

All Year Levels

Careers Newsletters: The latest in scholarships, tertiary study information and work information is live on Careers and Pathways page:

Casual Jobs for Clayfield Students

Grill'd and Eat Street are looking for casual hospitality workers. The flyers for these opportunities are now online:

Work and Study in 2026!

Queensland Health is offering a Podiatry Trainee Program, giving students the opportunity to be mentored and gain hands-on experience working with podiatrists while they study.

Two local accounting firms have also contacted Clayfield about their 2026 cadetship programs, allowing students to work while studying accounting or commerce.

Find out more online:

QTAC Applications

A reminder that QTAC applications are now open. The application fee is $70 until 30 September. From 1 October, the fee increases to $150.

For key dates and more information, visit the QTAC website:

Clayfield’s Got Talent

Clayfield’s Got Talent was a vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration, and House spirit, with students from every House showcasing their unique abilities.

Henderson impressed with their lively musical act, Youngman brought rhythm and unity through their Cup Choir, Ashburn entertained with a clever 'Smooth Criminal' twist, Radcliffe lit up the stage with their disco-inspired 'Boogie Wonderland' and Gibson captivated the audience with a stunning violin solo. 

Across many outstanding performances, it was the elegant lyrical dance by Leila Geere and Amelia Gibbons from Campbell House that earned the top honours. Congratulations to Campbell House and well done to all performers for a spectacular display of Clayfield talent!

Illuminate the Sky House Spirit Photo Competition

Our Illuminate the Sky House Spirit Photo Competition captured the joy, energy, and unity of Clayfield’s Got Talent, reflecting the vibrant spirit and creativity that shines across all Houses. The dynamic performances and moments of genuine camaraderie, each image showcased the enthusiasm and pride of our Clayfield community.

Please see the photos and winning entry below.

Gibson

Ashburn

Campbell

Henderson

Youngman

And the winner of the photo competition is... 

Radcliffe!

Upcoming Social Media Changes - What Parents Need to Know

At the end of Term 3, I shared information about the upcoming social media restrictions that will take effect on 10 December 2025. These new rules mean that children under 16 will no longer be able to create or keep accounts on major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.

While young people won’t be able to have accounts, they will still be able to view public content on these platforms without logging in. The goal of these changes is to create a safer, more age-appropriate online environment by delaying the age at which children can engage directly with social media.

These guidelines are part of new Australian legislation designed to support young people’s wellbeing and encourage healthier, safer online habits:

Recent research highlights why these changes are important with 44% of Australian young people reporting that they have had a negative online experience in the past six months, including 15% who received threats or abuse online. While cyberbullying is not new, the tools and tactics used online continue to evolve. Some current trends and challenges include:

• Children using devices younger, perhaps before they’re emotionally ready for the challenges of online life.
•  'Joking' or sarcastic emojis used to disguise hurtful comments.
• Sexualised online behaviour such as unwanted explicit messages, sexual shaming, or threats to share private images.
• AI-generated content including fake or harmful images and impersonations.

• Group chat issues where big chat groups can quickly turn into spaces for gossip, exclusion or unkind behaviour (eSafety.gov.au).

   

As these changes come into effect, it’s a good time to start, or revisit, family conversations about digital wellbeing that includes discussion around setting boundaries, discussing respectful online behaviour and encouraging balance in screen use. 

To learn more visit: